Sunday, December 25, 2011

As I look
back on 2011, I thought to myself that I didn’t do anything amazing…In 2010 I
broke the Guinness World Record “Most Marathons Run in a Calendar Year” by a
woman.The record was held by a woman in
Italy and she ran 100 marathons in 2002.I broke her record and set a new GWR of 106 marathons. In 2011
I did some pretty amazing things too.

The first
amazing thing I did in 2011 was I met some of the most amazingly beautiful
and inspirational people and I put them in the “spotlight” on my blog.I want to say THANK YOU to everyone that
shared their amazing stories.Your
stories inspired and motivated many people to get fit and get healthy.Thank you to all and keep inspiring.

The second
amazing thing I did was I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried some new
adventures and I checked a few things off my bucket list.I did 31 races total and two were 100
milers. Each ultra marathon is different and you’ll never know what’s going to
happen unless you give it a try.The Run-de-Vours
100 miler I finished in 25:47and EC 100 Miler I finished in 29:57 with three
minutes to spare.I did a Mud Run, and
was one of 8,123 runners that participated in the Santa Run that broke the
Guinness World Record for the most Santa’s.There were lights and cameras on the red carpet at the Stiletto Dash.

Another
amazing high light was my 300 lifetime marathon at Catalina ECO Marathon on the
beautiful Catalina Island and I finished off the year with a 48 hour run at “After
The Years 48 Hour Run" in Arizona and I completed 105 miles.

My wish for
you in 2012, get fit, be healthy and find your own “happy”.Wishing you a healthy and happy year and May
all your dreams come true.You are the
creator of your own destiny.You have
the power to plant your own garden and find peace and serenity in places most
people don’t or can’t see.I wish for
you to have the courage to live a life true to thyself and not the life others
expect of you. Life is a choice and it is your life.The
amazing thing about life is that you choose what you allow into it, you choose
how things affect you, and you choose how you react. Choose wisely, choose
honestly and choose happiness. Happiness is a choice and you create your own
happiness.

Keep believing
in yourself and your dreams.You’re
never too young to try something new. Start today living your dream and to
accomplish your dreams you must not only act but also dream and not only plan
but also believe. To be successful you must shine your own light, follow your
own path.Leisure walking is one of my
favorite escapes and opportunity to reflect on my life issues.You are an amazing person and may God
continue to shine his light and blessing on you in 2012.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

My name is Keira Henninger and I am the race director of Top notch Ultra-Marathons & Trail Races all across Southern California and I am also a competitive ultra-marathon runner ranking in the top 20 women in the United States. I strongly believe in the positive mental benefits of running, as it has played an important part in my own emotional healing through life.

I was raised in a house that backed onto a large open space reserve, with miles of trails, but it was also an extremely abusive household. Both physically and mentally it was never a peaceful place growing up. Given that the house was a scary place to be, myself and my siblings spent all day on weekends playing outside on the trails. I was a huge tomboy, and started running cross country in middle school. By the time I reached high school I had tried every sport I could get to, but it was always running that I was most talented at. I cannot imagine living and not running, and to me the sun is God's medicine. I love to play outside running on trails.

But it wasn’t just running that got me through the hard times, I quickly learned to mentally separate myself from the situation, and pray. Most would think that God was never answering my prayers by letting the abuse always happen, but I believe the total opposite: If it wasn’t for God I would have never made it out of my childhood alive; He was my saving grace as a child, and my strength and rock today; He answers every single prayer I ask of him. Do not ever be afraid to pray bold prayers, and have faith.

I also became used to making responsible decisions from an early age. At 19 I had a baby, but I was determined to not let that shape the course of my life. We are the choices we make. It’s OK to make mistakes as they are learning tools, but it’s not OK to continually make the same mistakes. Learn from your bad days, and move on. Forgive, forget, and just move on. Hard work coupled with consistency and determination will only lead to success. I have overcome challenges and experiences that would give many people an excuse for failure. But in my case, they have only made me more straightforward. I am a fighter, and if one door closes I look for a better one to open.

I am big on integrity, and really meaning what you say to people. Do not say things you cannot back up, as it will only end up hurting you in the end. I also think it’s important to love the heck out of yourself. Be your own biggest fan: so many people destroy their own success by cutting themselves down everyday.

I always remind myself if I made it through my childhood I can make it through anything. Always look at the worst you have been through, and then think about how bad the situation is now you are in. There is nothing wrong with showing yourself some love! Just by trial and error I started going out of my way to compliment myself everyday. I made it a point to catch myself whenever I said anything negative, and would replace it with positive words. I try and just remind myself that I am a great mom, strong, kind, fit, and am capable of anything I set my mind to. The craziest thing of all? In 2005 I ran my first marathon, and it took me almost 5 hours to finish. In 2010 I won the Angeles Crest 100 mile race in the high mountains of the Angeles National forest. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, and sheer determination. The world can be yours if you just reach for the sky. All my information can be found on my website at: www.keirahenninger.com/-Keira-

Pvt. Ronnie will be going to Carolina to study "Combat Engineering". Good luck Pvt. Ronnie!

As we pray for America, we also pray for the soldiers, airmen and sailors who help keep our nation free. The brave men and women in our military sacrifice each and every day to let Americans live a life where they are free to worship God and to be safe from our enemies. We should never forget the sacrifices that they have made, not just today, but in years past. And not just those serving in the military. The families of our men and women in uniform give to our country as they make hard decisions that allow their loved ones to serve.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Meet the amazingly beautiful and determined Violeta from Southern California!

I wasn't always so active, I started running because of my stressful life stye, it was a dream to me to run a full marathon, I could barely run for 15 min without running out of breath. My dream came true on May of 2009 my first full marathon, never ran 8 miles before that and with only 3 weeks of training, I crossed that finish line at Los Angeles Marathon after almost crying at mile 22, but never giving up. It was such a great feeling of accomplishment that I will never forget!

That same year on December coming back from my second life time marathon Las Vegas Rock and Roll, we had a car accident at the junction of the highway 215 and 15, ice on the road, raining conditions, wind blowing too strong, who knows what caused our car to go off the road and down the cliff, the car rolled down more than 3 times landing upside down, I was trapped and just wanted to get out to see if my kids were safe. When I got out they were already out and safe with minor scratches, I had no idea how bad my injuries were at that time, right after seeing my 2 girls safe I passed out, waking hrs later in the hospital with 7 fractured bones in my spinal cord, 2 head concussions, a black eye, bruises and cuts all over. The most essential tasks like sitting up from my bed, walking to the restroom, reaching to put on my socks was a challenge itself. The injuries kept me from running for about 4 months, God knows how many times I tried to run before that only to stop after a mile because of the excruciating pain.

April of 2010 and after one and a half month of hard work and dedication reached my first 10 miles. Finally signed up for a half marathon on May of 2010 which i finish at 2:11, my next half marathon was the following month June of 2010. I had woken up to a new me, the following month I ran San Francisco Marathon finishing at 4:51. When I crossed that finish line at SF it was more than just getting a medal, it was believing in myself that if I wanted it and worked for it I would achieve it. October I ran Long Beach Marathon, December ran Las Vegas Rock and Roll, went back to celebrate my survival, since, its been my reborn Anniversary Marathon, also in December ran Operation Jack Marathon.

In 2010 I ran 2 half marathons and 4 full marathons coming back stronger than ever from a horrendous injury with the most positive attitude and coming across very wonderful people along the way, these marathons also qualified me to become a Marathon Maniac, my new running family!

I set a goal for 2011 of running 12 marathons in 12 months but I exceeded my goal and I'm about to complete 20 marathons on December 26th of 2011.

Now, people ask me "why do you run so much" ... I run because I can, because I was given a second chance at life, to live it to the fullest, to encourage those who can but wont, I run because I know its a gift for me now and because I know how it feels to want but can't. ""I don't live to run, I RUN TO LIVE""

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story, I hope that this could motivate other people to never give up, never underestimate themselves, to work hard for what they want and that believing is achieving.

Monday, December 5, 2011

This was the first year the Las Vegas Marathon was run at night. I did the half marathon because of the strict cutoff. I finished 2:47:06

This was my first year of really enjoying me. The Santa Run, Stiletto Dash and a half marathon in one weekend was awesome. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new and loved it!!!

You Can Be Anything You Dream Of
Every day has its own rewards and its own unique challenges. None of us has the same exact worries or responsibilities, because life is shaped around each of us as individuals. It's important to remember that we all create our own worlds. Who we are and the way we act are how we control our lives. There are endless opportunities for us to change and rearrange the day-to-day moments we are given. It's up to each of us to decide which way we want to go; how far or how fast we go in life are the choices we all must make for ourselves.Deanna Beisser-

Las Vegas regained the Guinness World record for the most runners dressed in Santa suites at the Las Vegas Great Santa Run! This was the seventh annual event and I was one of 8,123 participants that ran the 5K and one mile walk. The World Santa Challenge record was previously held by Liverpool England.

Monica of Fox 5 News was the host and also interviewed me last year when I broke the Guinness World Record.

Larry is one of the guys in the show "Divas" at Imperial Palace Hotel.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Rounding the corner I see the cones and know I’m close. Down the small embankment to hit the pavement of the parking lot. There it is the finish line. No crowds, no cheers most of the finish broken down. One foot in front of the other I crossed. 6 hours and 28 min I did it. Years ago this would have never been a thought let alone a reality. At age 19 I had back surgery. Changed my life forever or so I thought. Cautious is how I lived my life. 2008 became the year to start the change. I quit smoking after 20 years. 2009 I dug up the courage to join a gym. It was a small gym in the strip mall by my office. Unfamiliar territory that was scary and exciting at the same time. Big frumpy clothing feeling like everyone was watching me. When I started I could hardly walk on a treadmill. I was so out of shape. At that time I had no other goal then to get healthy. I was shedding the pounds quickly. My confidence was building and the energy was galore. A friend got me a complimentary membership to 24 hour fitness so that I could workout with her. I was more then ready to make the move. Sadly life evolved and she moved away.

This new world I had stepped into eventually embraced me. I was meeting new people and trying everything in the gym. No more frumpy clothes and looking around to see who was watching me. I felt great. In January 2010 I wanted a new challenge. I couldn’t hardly run for 2 minutes but there was an draw to running. So much time on the treadmill watching people just run and run. That is when it came to me. I would do a half marathon. Most people thought I was crazy. Research was needed since I had no idea what I needed to do. Found a flat course and signed up. For months I gradually built up to be able to run/walk for hours. Last minute I signed up for a local 5k. It was another new world to me. Starting horn went off and there was a huge surge forward. This was not an easy course with a couple of very steep hills and trail running. Both of which I was not prepared for. My friend told me it is ok to walk, just take your time. So I did just that. Before I knew it I was headed up this dirt path where there where many people looking down. The voices where coming from left and right. “Your almost there” and “The shoot is right here”. Hit the top of the hill and banked to the left. There it is the finish line. As I crossed they announced my name. I loved it! Soon followed up with a 10k. September 5, 2010 came quickly, Disneyland , 13.1 miles, my big day. My only goal was to finish. Which I did in 3 hours 4 minutes.

The feeling of pride was explosive. The medal didn’t hurt either. I did small races for the rest of the year and loved everyone of them. 2011 Set two goals of a half marathon in February at Disneyworld and another in September at is Disneyland.

July 2, 2011 my life changed. I was up early and out the door for my training run. After my run I hit the shower. As I was washing my hair I noticed that there was huge clumps of hair in my hands. It just kept coming out more and more. Within 3 weeks I had lost all my hair. Doctor after doctor I was not getting any answers. Hormone levels, vitamin levels, and organ issues. Still no one can tell me why I lost my hair or what was going on with me. It is hard to explain how most days feels like my body is just shutting down. I just wasn’t going to give up. I signed up for another half marathon on 10/2/2011. Ultimate challenge of a full marathon is what I needed. Signed up for the Malibu marathon. Only goal was to finish. Tore up my feet pretty bad that day but I finished which was all that mattered. Since then I keep thinking about the next run. Safe to say I am addicted to running. Even possibly that I am running for my life. -Jennifer-

Sunday, November 20, 2011

My first steps in running a marathon began when a friend of mine asked if I wanted to run a marathon in the year 2008 and raise money for Aids Project Los Angeles (APLA) . At first, I was a little hesitant, but quickly realized this was a good motivation to lose weight and raise money for a good cause. It was also a commitment of 6 months, and at this time I was going through a divorce, so this couldn't have come at a better time, Something to keep my mind off my personal life and use my energy to help others.

The experience I encountered with the APLA group was amazing, They truly supported me through the start of training to crossing the finishing line.(2008 San Francisco marathon) To this date, they are still friends of mine and frequently communicate with them.

Thus, my passion for running marathons began, soon after my first marathon, I joined the Jeff Galloway group in Santa Monica, CA. There I learned even more about running long distance and my coaches were Larry and Patty Goldman (program directors) who were instrumental in pursing my passion to run more marathons. The Galloway method is a run walk method of running a marathon. In 2009 I ran 12 marathons, the first six I ran run walking, but after the 7th marathon I had ran my first one without run walking. The feeling was amazing, never in my wildest dreams that I could ever imagine running 26.2 miles without stopping, the following 5 marathons I ran straight through and couldn't believe it, the feeling was forever life changing. During the latter part of the year 2009 I started to feel like 26.2 wasn't enough once a month. I had heard from one of the my other group members about a club called Marathon Maniacs, and they briefly described how insane they were for running 30 to 40 marathons a year. I thought to myself, there is no way that I would ever be able to run that many marathons but it would be interesting to know one of them to find out what drives a person to run so many marathons. I'm seriously bad with dates but I took the opportunity to meet a Marathon Maniac during the 2009 Las Vegas rock n' roll marathon, it was 28 degrees and freezing and this guy had a smile on his face like he couldn't wait to start. I thought to myself there is no way I am in the same league as these crazy people. ( the guys name was James Hong) When I asked James about how many marathons he was planning to finish for the year he said that he would finish 28.(I thought to myself what planet was he from) So I asked him how he did it, and he just simply said that he just showed up to a race the following day(double) and would run another one and his body would adapt. I thought to myself, that's it, just keep running and let the body take over.

So following the race I couldn't wait to tell my running group that I met one of those maniacs, and that I was convinced that I would never be one, because running that many marathons was insane and frankly not possible in my DNA.(at least that was what I thought) I told the group if they new of any back to back marathons that I could do, and one of the other runners (Becky Wagner) told me about a Charlie Alewine Racing races that were affordable and that were doubles and triples. So for the year 2010 I decided never to be a Marathon Maniac because that was absolutely insane but I wanted to see how many marathons I could run in a year. I figured, if I could do 20 that would be a miracle in itself. So I immediately contacted Charlie Alewine and discussed a new years triple he was having and asked if there was any room left because the website stated that it was sold out. He continued to tell me that it was, I kinda begged him to let me enter the triple and that I would pay in advance and really wanted to start the year off trying to do three marathons in a row.( at this point, I had no idea that I even could finish all three, just believed in me).

So on the first day of the triple I ran across, guess who? yup happy James Hong. I finished the triple to my amazement and pursued my goal of 20 marathons. To my surprise I finished 61 marathons, and completed over 70 races in the year 2010. It was one of the most amazing years of my life

surrounded by so many positive and amazing people that made me feel so limitless like anything is really possible. One of those amazing runners I ran with is Troy Lavosky who I had incredible conversations with and off the chart running ventures.

Today, Charlie Alewine is one of my best friends and supporters. He has encouraged me to continue my passion and made me believe that I could finish a hundred mile race. This year 2011 in November after my 9th attempt, I finally completed my first hundred miler (EC100) Corona to Santa Monica Pier. That really doesn't even sound real, but it is true, if you surround yourself around positive incredible people, positive incredible things can happen, I truly believe that, you have to believe in yourself and your journey is yours and no one else's. You never know what your capable until you go out there and attempt it, I did and found that anything is possible. MANIAC #2597 God bless!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

We are Fabulous! Not only are we fabulous but we are amazing too! We did a double marathon this weekend. Catalina Eco marathon on Saturday and Malibu marathon on Sunday. This is Helen's (in middle) first double marathon. Cat has done many marathons including ultra marathons and 100 milers. Congrats Helen you did it! I finished 6:03:51

All of us did a double including celebrity Maniac #22 Deo! I met some amazing people today. This is Jennifer's first marathon and she has an amazing story stay tuned. Congrats Jennifer!

I enjoyed talking with Lori and Nina and what I found out about these two ladies is that Nina is celebrating her 50th birthday and told Lori we are running a marathon for my 50th birthday next week. They did what I call "suicide"! Congrats ladies and happy 50th Nina!

I love this race and it's Malibu's 3rd year and mine too! It's a must do for your bucket list...

Congrats Violeta on your first double! You are amazing!

Malibu marathon gives a finisher's beach towel and a nice medal.

Believe in what makes you feel good. Believe in what makes you happy. Believe in the dreams you've always wanted to come true, and give them every chance to.-Dena Dilaconi-